Guest Writers

Heartfluence: October 2018

Guest: Glenda Thomas, Marion Senior Services, Ocala, FL

What can be emotionally moving about a cup of tea? Glenda Thomas shared the answer by way of a story.

We are pleased to feature this month, Glenda Thomas, who is a passionate advocate. She is the Community Liaison/Intake & Referral Coordinator for Marion Senior Services located in Ocala, Florida.

Glenda Thomas has helped Marion Senior Services to integrate story into their organization to share with clients, volunteers, employees, potential donors and the community. Through her passion for a client, Mrs. Sylvia, and her story, the organization is on a journey to make a further difference.

As Community Liaison, Glenda was asked to share an impact statement at United Way’s 2017 campaign closeout event. This lunch event of an audience of 100+ was comprised of United Way’s Board members, staff, campaign coordinators, their corporate sponsors, donors and other non-profit organizations and guests that, in addition to Marion Senior Services, receive support from United Way.

Given just a few minutes to share an impact statement, Glenda couldn’t think of any better way than to share “our story.” It moved the audience as it did the leadership and employees within Marion Senior Services.

Moving forward… Glenda Thomas offered that Marion Senior Services is working on two things:

Mining stories – interviewing staff, volunteers and/or clients, in search of stories that best tell who Marion Senior Services is and just how the organization impacts the 1,200+ lives touched every day
Determining how to best share the Marion Senior Services story – speaking engagements, print media, video media and other vehicles to tell stories are being explored and utilized to further engage staff, donors, partners and the community in being a part of one of the greatest stories ever told

Thank you, Glenda, for sharing the story you found and developed for your organization to connect with individuals. As Glenda discovered, fundraisers are surrounded by stories. Fundraisers just need to find the stories and share them with others.

See the following page for the poignant story about a client in need, Mrs. Sylvia, and a simple cup of tea.

Let Me Tell You a Story…

Let me tell you a story. (It’s a story about… “Why I do, what I do?”)

I love hot tea… but the day I met Ms. Sylvia… gave it a whole new meaning.

As her last resort, a very well-groomed… neatly dressed 84 year old Ms. Sylvia, accompanied by a neighbor… came into Marion Senior Services for help.

As we sat down in the office, across my desk, I immediately noticed Ms. Sylvia fidgeting in her chair. She admitted she had never asked for help before. I did what I could to make her feel comfortable.

She finally settled back in the chair, and began to share her story. Widowed and a single mom… she worked hard most of her life. Ms. Sylvia was very proud to have raised her 5 children… now adults themselves… and living back home with families of their own. She was distant in miles from her children… and with sadness in her face… she shared the intimate details of the distance in their relationships as well.

As she talked on about her life, tears began to run down her face. She struggled to make ends meet, and lately… after expenses, she had no money left for food. To survive… for weeks… Ms. Sylvia had been drinking just three cups of tea a day.

Now fighting back my own tears, I assured Ms. Sylvia that we would help… and we would help right away. Immediately, I provided groceries from the emergency pantry… enrolled her in the monthly food distribution program… and connected Ms. Sylvia to the dining club near her… where she still attends daily to have a hot meal, socialize with her peers and participate in engaging activities.

Ms. Sylvia found… not only help that day… but her hope was restored as well. Because Marion Senior Services exists; the generosity of our partners and donors, elderly citizens… who may have been orphaned by their own families… can become a part of ours.

Ms. Sylvia’s story was compelling for me… and while I still love a good cup of hot tea… now… when I have one… I think of Ms. Sylvia… and smile.

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